About

S/PA currently provides support for 185 students at private Catholic high schools in Essex, Hudson and Union counties; Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City, St. Dominic’s Academy in Jersey City, Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark and St. Vincent Academy in Newark. 90% of S/PA students come from homes with family incomes of less than $45,000 annually and 70% come from single-parent homes. To receive support from S/PA, students undergo a rigorous application process including a review of academic performance, teacher recommendations, financial information, and an in-person interview. Accepted S/PA students are paired with a partner or sponsor and mentor who commit to providing that student with tuition and mentoring support for four years. A partner provides both tuition assistance and mentorship while a mentor provides only mentoring support; and a sponsor provides only financial support. Corporations and foundations often serve as sponsors for one or more students. Partners and sponsors contribute $2,500 annually for four years towards a student’s tuition. S/PA organizes specific opportunities for students, partners, and mentors to meet throughout the year, encouraging the development of a student/partner mentoring relationship. Events include breakfasts and lunches at our affiliated schools, an annual Mentor Training program, a holiday party, and community service days.

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